Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende says: “This year’s summer, with its record-breaking heat, once again brings the issue of climate protection into sharp focus. And environmental issues are always issues that arise in our city as well. Wiesbaden was forward-thinking enough to establish an Environmental Office 40 years ago, which deals with air and water, trees and green spaces, flood protection, energy, and the development of new neighborhoods. Today, it contributes its knowledge and experience to our city’s decision-making.”

The Wiesbaden Environmental Agency was founded on May 5, 1986. At that time, environmental problems such as poor air quality, rising waste volumes, contaminated sites, and forest die-off were becoming increasingly urgent. At the same time, responsibility for environmental issues within the city administration was spread across many different departments. Wiesbaden was the first city in Hesse to establish an Environmental Office. From the very beginning, the agency’s mission has been to integrate environmental concerns into the planning and decision-making processes of other departments. This task is more important today than ever before, as climate protection, climate adaptation, biodiversity, mobility, energy supply, and urban development cannot be effectively addressed in isolation from one another.

Mayor and Head of the Environment Department Christiane Hinninger says: “The issues and challenges have changed over the past 40 years. What has remained is the task of developing sustainable solutions and ideas that will make Wiesbaden a livable and sustainable city for future generations as well. We need a strong Environmental Agency to serve as the technical foundation for political decisions and as a partner that communicates environmental protection and nature conservation as a societal responsibility: After all, those who are informed and aware are also more willing to get involved.”

The Environmental Agency is working to prepare the city for heat, drought, and heavy rainfall; to protect and restore water bodies; to preserve biodiversity; and to advance the energy, heating, and climate transitions. Environmental concerns are also assessed and taken into account in planning and construction projects. The people of Wiesbaden benefit directly from this: through a more pleasant urban climate, clean air, attractive green spaces and open areas, and urban development that remains sustainable in the long term. At the same time, the Environmental Agency provides information on concrete ways in which everyone can personally contribute to environmental and climate protection.

The open house begins with an official welcome at 11 a.m. by Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende, Mayor and Head of the Environment Department Christiane Hinninger, and Department Director Dr. Klaus Friedrich. From 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., visitors can engage in conversation with the office’s experts at the Environmental Forum.

Tree tours around the administrative building will highlight the importance of trees for the urban climate, biodiversity, and quality of life. The biodiversity tour “Small Habitats, Big Impact” focuses on how even small areas can create important habitats for animals and plants. In addition to noise measurements, cargo bike rides, and an environmental quiz, the program also features short presentations on key environmental issues in Wiesbaden, which can be accessed at www.wiesbaden.de/leben-wohnen/umwelt-natur-klima/umwelt-veranstaltungen/40-jahre-umweltamt (opens in a new tab).

“We want to show what goes on behind the scenes at the Environmental Agency and why this work is important for everyone in Wiesbaden,” says Agency Director Dr. Klaus Friedrich. “The open house offers an opportunity to ask questions, better understand the big picture, and engage in conversation with the people who work on these issues.”

The Environmental Agency looks forward to welcoming many visitors and to an open exchange on the city’s environmental and future-oriented issues. The venue at Gustav-Stresemann-Ring 15 is accessible and can be reached via the “Statistisches Bundesamt” stop by bus lines 16, 22, 27, 28, 37, 45, X26, X72, and 262. Those interested can find more information at www.wiesbaden.de/umwelt (opens in a new tab).